’I’m joining FF to make a difference’: Stephen Donnelly

Update 4.38pm: Stephen Donnelly has said that Fianna Fáil is the best-placed party to deal with the crises facing the country.

He was unveiled as the party's newest recruit and Brexit spokesman today, just five months after leaving the Social Democrats.

Donnelly said he would not retract previous statements where he had criticised Fianna Fail's role in the economic crash.

"Turn on your television and watch a new channell for one hour and you'll see the challenges we face," he said.

"So the decision for me was very simple - who are thebest team that most closely allign with mu policitcs who I beleive are taking these challenges very seriously, who are coming up with ideas to take on these challenges and oppurtunities, and that very clearly for me is Fianna Fáil."

The application was discussed at this meeting and was then formally proposed and approved unanimously.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said: “As part of our rebuilding process over the last number of years, Fianna Fáil have made it clear that we welcome new people and new ideas. That message has resonated across the country and in the 2016 General Election we saw the election of an energetic and talented Fianna Fáil team to both Houses of the Oireachtas.

“That process of rebuilding continues and the decision of Deputy Stephen Donnelly to join our team is very encouraging."

He added that Mr Donnelly has made "a serious impact nationally" in his time as a TD.

"In his various roles he has demonstrated a commitment to the principles of fairness and social democracy that underpin the values and policies of the Fianna Fáil party and I know that he will be a strong addition to our existing team, working alongside Pat Casey in Wicklow and nationally," Mr Martin said.

Update 12.35am: Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy says she’s not surprised that her former party colleague Stephen Donnelly is joining Fianna Fail.